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{Review & Giveaway} Apologetics Study Bible for Students

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the Apologetics Study Bible for Students from Propeller Consulting, LLC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This fall, within our high school studies, our family is embarking on a dedicated study of Apologetics, Ancient History, Ancient Literature, Archaeology, and Philosophy. How timely that Propeller offered us a review of the Apologetics Study Bible for Students (HCSB). It goes hand-in-hand with our studies for the 2015-16 school year. We were truly delighted to receive the fine-quality, hardcover edition to use within our studies!

The Importance of Apologetics

Have you ever taken your family through a formal study of Apologetics? In our post post-modern era, proponents of subjective relativism have declared a no-holds-barred attack on absolute truth founded within the Scripture. We cannot let our children and students fall casualty in this war of worldviews. The best way to gird up our hearts and minds for the battles ahead is through meaningful study of the timeless truths found within the pages of God's Word.

No matter whether your student enters college, a vocation, ministry, or missions work, they are certain to face a skeptical culture. Thinking about the needs of our own students, my husband and I recently asked ourselves:

Are our children prepared to face opposition to their faith?

Do they understand the most common arguments leveraged against the validity of the Bible?

Are they familiar with religious movements that twist the historic truths of Biblical teaching?

Do they understand the basic arguments of popular worldviews opposed to their faith?

Can they adequately answer critics and defend their own worldview?

Our family soberly considered these serious questions and realized our need to study apologetics in a more formal fashion. The philosophical battles our children face (even on a Christian university campus) are complex arguments that could potentially undermine their faith. By God's grace, we want to encourage our family, and all of those within our circle of influence, for challenging times that are ahead.

The Apologetics Study Bible is a useful tool that will equip students in the truths of Scripture by offering them thoughtful responses to the arguments that challenge their faith. This Bible can serve as an Apologetics 101 course in life.

Apologetics Study Bible Features

Book Introductions for each of the sixty-six books of the Bible.

Study Notes provide evidence of the reliability and truthfulness of Scripture.

120 Articles written by today's leading Christian thinkers dealing with life's ultimate questions.

The Apologetics Study Bible is packed with information to help students gird up the foundation of their faith by equipping them with the truths of God's Word.

Our Thoughts & Review

This Bible is a meaty study guide that does not shy away from heavier philosophical, cultural, and historical issues. The tag line on the front cover states: Hard Questions. Straight Answers.

I found myself inquisitively journeying through the Apologetics Study Bible to read the informative sections. I was not disappointed in the breadth of information covered. This Bible is completely designed with students in mind.

One of our personal favorite features is the article section. More than 100 articles relate biblical truth to science, history, archaeology, psychology, philosophy, and other subjects. These articles are high-interest topics that provide Biblical insight into challenging questions. Within our family we have a college-age student who works in children's ministry and attends a local Christian University. We have a middle/high school age student working towards a history / literature / philosophy / theology / missions track of studies. In addition, I direct a small tutorial program for middle/high school students. Frequently, within our various communities, we are faced with questions, discussions, and general observations from middle/high school and college-age students. The articles, and other supplementary study notes, help us feel better prepared to contribute thoughtful responses and meaningful dialogue over difficult topics and hard questions.

My overall impression of the Apologetics Study Bible is that it does a fine work of balancing both grace and truth in a way that glorifies God. A word from the publishers says it best:

Remember: the point of apologetics is not to win an argument but to win a person to Christ. This is so important, so let me say it again: Apologetics is not about winning arguments, but about winning people. It is possible to win an argument and yet do it in a way that damages the cause of Christ. If we make a great argument, but we don't do it in love, then it profits us nothing (1 Co 13:1-3). We must follow the example of Jesus and be full of both grace and truth (Jn 1:14).

Ministry and Education Resources

My husband and I are small group leaders for elementary students within our local church, our college-age daughter works in children's ministry, and our younger daughter and son are involved in youth ministries. Our family greatly appreciates resources which help students gain Biblical literacy so they may better understand and articulate their own faith. This is a resource that can support family and youth ministry, college-age and young adult ministries, and discipleship ministry.

Additionally, ministry leaders and Christian educators will find the Free Study Downloads to be of interest. The study downloads delve into deep topical matters that address arguments that students are not always fully prepared to answer when faced with the culture at large. Each study guide includes an article, discussion prompts, and a brief resource bibliography. These study guides could form the framework of an introductory Apologetics small group discussion, Christian education class, or course within a homeschooling program. The study guides include:

What is Apologetics?

The Cosmological Argument

The Design Argument

The Moral Argument

Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?

The Problem of Evil

Do Miracles Happen?

Is the Old Testament Reliable?

Is the New Testament Reliable?

Is There One True God?

Is Jesus the Only Way?

Where Did the New Testament Come From?

Has Prophecy Been Fulfilled?

Sweepstakes and Giveaway

Friends, I hope you have enjoyed this overview of the Apologetics Study Bible for Students. I would like to invite you to enter to win your own copy of this valued resource. You can enter to win by simply leaving a comment within this blog post letting me know you would like to enter to win. Be sure to provide your email address in case you win. While you are here, feel free to let me know how you are studying the Bible this year. I would love to share conversation!

One winner will be selected the old-fashioned way (random drawing of name from a basket) on Friday, August 21st. The winner has 48 hours to respond and confirm mailing address or another winner will be selected for the prize. US and Canada entrants only please.

Disclaimer and Contest Notes:
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligible verification.